3.6 Collective action on security aspects enabling dual use of technologies

New threats demand greater resilience and an increased security posture in ATM. Recent geopolitical unrest, for example, has created a multifaceted crisis for European ATM, combining operational, economic and logistical challenges that will continue to shape the landscape of European aviation for years to come. As a result, military airspace requirements are growing and also the need for dual-use technologies that serve both civil and military applications, and that optimise the utilisation of the airspace for all. The vision therefore includes elements such as advanced flexible use of airspace and the integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), but also leverages dual-use technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced CNS systems to enhance both civil and military air traffic operations.

Airspace configuration and management will be fully dynamic to deliver the right capacity at the right time, supported by dynamic civil–military collaborative decision-making, irrespective of air traffic controllers’ physical locations. RPAS will fly safely in all classes of airspace, sharing it with crewed aviation and other airspace users, and will be integrated into airport operations. Civil and military stakeholders will share plans, decisions and updates through a system-wide information management (SWIM) technology solution. See Section A.5 for the civil–military roadmap.

Cyberattacks are increasing in frequency and sophistication, calling for ongoing vigilance, a proactive approach to data security and the development of further enhanced technologies to protect the future ATM system, which will be more data-driven, open to trusted users, connected and interdependent. See Section A.6 for the cybersecurity capabilities roadmap.

For both aspects, the Master Plan will be key to feed into upcoming defence-related EU activities such as the EU airspace strategy for security and defence.